Form

I bought new running shoes recently.  They are the same brand and model I have been buying for 5 years.  So, they are new, but not different.  This is such a 'girl' complaint, but they are always blue or teal or...some boring color.  So, while I was waiting for my 'same-old/same-old' to be brought out of the store room, an exquisite bright orange and pink shoe caught my eye.

The salesclerk brought my shoes out and I said, "What's with this shoe?  I've never seen it before."

He responded, "Oh, it's totally new.  It's designed to keep you on your toes while you're running."  [For those of you who don't know...the 'proper' running form is on your toes, not rolling through your heel.]

I responded, "It's soooo CUTE!  I've been buying the same shoe for years, maybe I will check this one out."

I'm pretty sure he was rolling his eyes as he said, "Well, you better try them on and get on the treadmill over there before you buy them.  They really feel different."

So, despite the fact that I was in a skirt, I laced them up and got on the treadmill and.....HATED THEM.

I wanted to like them so much, but they felt so wrong.  And the reason they felt this way is because they were forcing me into the right form.  Now, I normally maintain very good form - for the first 5 miles or so, then I start to rest back on my heels because it's easier.

"So, what do you do when you get tired in these shoes?" I asked.

"You're supposed to work up to your usual mileage, because it's going to be harder, but it's almost guaranteed to help you run faster, because you maintain form."

Well...I didn't buy them.  I wanted to.  They really did help.  And they really were super cute.  But I didn't think I could live up to the shoe's expectations.

Actually, I didn't think I had it in me to maintain proper form the whole time, like when I got tired, which I knew would happen.  So, I've been trying to work on my form without the shoes.  This morning I tried to stay on my toes the whole time...and I did go faster and I did enjoy my run more.

All morning I've been thinking about those adorable shoes.  Not that I'm going to go get them, but more about 'form'.  How when we maintain form, we function better.

So, what's the proper form for a human?  I guess we all have different answers to this, but I've been thinking a bit about mine, as much of my life seems dismantled right now.  My form...the things which make me really feel like I am functioning rightly revolve around: morning runs, real conversation with people, honest prayer, a good book, weekly worship, a few of my favorite foods (which aren't fancy but are comforting), and lots of hugs from my children.

Honestly, my form was a lazy.  It was like I thought because I was tired I couldn't maintain the form, so I scaled back to self-preservation mode.  No good books, less prayer, no time for friends...  Not really that bad, but certainly not what I know I need.  In the past week I've been thinking that my form is what helps me function...my good form.  I do have good form.  I know this.  I know that these are good things which help me to thrive...sometimes they are just a bit scary or intimidating or force me to stay on my toes.

But...life on my toes is much better than just rolling through - heel to toe.  And, it helps if your form has some cuteness involved too.  Good thing I've got my kids.
What's your form?